OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

II
Governing Council foreword
The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008-2013 has been prepared in accordance
with the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 relating to a
Commonwealth Heritage Listed and National Heritage Listed place and provides a framework for managing the heritage
values of Old Parliament House. Its development has included an extensive process of consultation with Old Parliament
House staff, heritage experts, a range of key stakeholders including the Governing council itself, and the general public.
The Plan has been assessed by the Australian Heritage Council, who advised the former Minister for the Environment
and Water Resources, who determined it to be consistent with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 and the Commonwealth and National Heritage Management Principles.
Old Parliament House is one of the most significant heritage buildings in Australia. Home of the Commonwealth
Parliament from 1927 until 1988, it was the setting for many of the major decisions and events that shaped modern
Australia. Its role and importance in Australian political and social history of the 20 th century is unparalleled.
Old Parliament House is also of major architectural and design significance, being one of the primary examples in
Australia of the Inter-War Stripped Classical style, and containing a large collection of fittings and furnishings specially
designed as an integral part of the building.
I am proud to have been associated with Old Parliament House for much of my life, from spending portions of my
childhood in and around it as the son of a Member of Parliament, to my own service as an MP and Minister, and to my
current involvement as the Chairman of the Old Parliament House Governing Council. I consider that Old Parliament
House is a splendid and appropriate addition to the Commonwealth and National Heritage Lists.
I believe that this Plan provides the appropriate level of management and transparency to protect the heritage values
of Old Parliament House and on behalf of the Old Parliament House Governing Council I commend the efforts of all
involved in its development.
The Rt Hon J D Anthony, AC CH
Chairman
Old Parliament House Governing Council
March 2008